When my daughter was very young, she used to say something that shocked me, especially the first time I heard it. It was a statement she learned from a neighborhood friend, and at certain times, she would use it for effect, usually following a reprimand. She and I were talking about it and laughing the other day, but I have to admit that it rattled me a bit at the time. What she used to say was, “I wish I was never born!” Of course, she was very little at the time, so it always came out sounding like, “I wish I was never bone.” Thankfully, she really didn’t understand what she was saying. However, she did see that it got a rise out of her friend’s parents, so she thought she would try it on me. Anyway, as I was thinking about this it raised an interesting question. What would the lives of those around you be like if YOU were never born? This mental exercise is based on that great old movie titled "It’s A Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart. I’m sure you are all familiar with that story so, with that in mind, let me give you something to think about today.

Today’s thought is as follows: I want you to think about what the lives of those around you would be like today if you had not been born. Now, I know it’s impossible to actually know this, so I’m asking you to use your imagination a bit here. Think about Jimmy Stewart in that movie. When he returned to his hometown to see what it would be like if he had never been born, he discovered an entirely different world. It underlined the incredible importance one life can make as we all tend to have a ripple effect on those around us. So put yourself in the shoes of George Bailey upon his return to Bedford Falls and imagine what the world would be like without you! My guess is that those around you would be significantly different without you in their lives. Even if your life isn’t all that you want it to be at the moment, your influence touches everyone you come into contact with to some degree, and your impact on the world around you is priceless. If you don’t believe me, just ask those who love you!